Cycling can lead to heart attacks

London: Doctors have for long said that cycling is good for health. But, now a new study has claimed it is literally one of the biggest triggers of heart attacks.

The study, which analysed 36 pieces of research, has revealed that the "final straw" in bringing on a heart attack is spending time in traffic as a driver, cyclist or commuter, `The Lancet` journal reported.

But of these, cyclists are in greatest danger because they are more heavily exposed to pollution and are subjecting themselves to another major heart attack trigger, exercise.

Traffic exposure was blamed for 7.4 per cent of heart attacks, followed by physical exertion with 6.2 per cent Over -all air pollution triggered between 5 per cent and 7 per cent of heart attacks, while drinking alcohol accounted 5 per cent.